Chapter 12

Marissa's Pov

The atmosphere in the car felt a little tense. Not for Bridget though. She stayed on a call with her long distance boyfriend throughout the fifteen minute drive.

Elias kept his eyes steadfastly on the road, only stealing quick glances at me through the rearview mirror. There was a tense, almost frightened aura around him today. I'd never seen him frightened. Not for anything.

He was the grounded one. Level headed, holding my hands through the rough times, throwing himself in the face of danger to protect me.

Now his knuckles gripped the steering so tightly they started turning white, and his jaw kept twitching like he was about to say something but never did.

He didn't speak to me until we pulled into the parking lot.

“And we're here." He announced, almost mournfully.

“Looks like we weren't running late after all." Bree said in relief.

Elias, ever the gentleman, stepped out first and then came over to open the doors for Bree and I.

The party was held in the staff cafe on the second floor of the building. Famously dubbed the Pressroom.

The chairs and tables had been moved to the farthest ends to make room and a makeshift stage stood directly facing the entrance doors. Drink bowls and hors d'oeuvres laid spread out on the tables next to the counter, which had been turned into a bar of some sort.

The place was packed. I hadn't been expecting this much people and heads turned to gaze at us as we walked in.

“Bree, I think we're a little over dressed." I whispered in concern noticing the other women in the room.

“Nonsense. There's no such thing as being over dressed." She whispered back, “Now relax. You look like someone's shown you a picture of a dead grandma.”

She was right. My teeth had clenched together and my palms had turned sweaty. There was air conditioning in the room but I was beginning to feel hot.

" Relax. You look beautiful. I swear it.” Elias bent to whisper in my ear.

He said it gently. Soothingly. And all at once I felt myself breathing easier.

“Drinks anyone!" Bridget exclaimed excitedly and flagged down a passing waiter holding a tray filled with glasses of champagne.

Bridget pulled me along with her as she approached random people to have conversations, determined to make me mingle. It took a while but pretty soon, I was chuckling lightly at bad jokes from coworkers and exchanging toddler mischief stories with a few moms.

The party wasn't going so bad after all

Just as I began to wonder where Jack Tinsel was, he climbed onto the stage to give a speech.

In contrast to the shuffling feet and averted gaze from two days ago, his demeanour was confident this time. His voice clear, his speech stirring.

Clearly this was his turf. Where he was more comfortable. At the end of his speech, his gaze finally fell on me and I saw his eyes widen in appreciation.

“I think he likes what he sees." Bridget whispered in excitement as Jack brought his speech to an end and the hall erupted in applause. “He's gonna come over. You're on your own from here on out. Don't screw this up." She walked away before I could say anything in protest.

I wasn't sure I was ready to speak with Jack yet. And certainly not in the middle of the room. Or maybe I just needed more alcohol.

I turned around to head for the punch bowl and my face slammed into a brick wall.

Not a wall. A person, judging from the grunt that followed.

“I'm so sorry. Are you okay?" A voice asked.

A voice that rumbled through my spine and sent goosebumps traveling along my skin.

I looked up to see the stranger I had bumped into and felt my breath catch in my throat.

The man was tall. Towering. Broad shoulders, sharp suit and his eyes…

Eyes so blue you could practically drown in them. Eyes that gazed at me with a flicker of something…strange.

“Sorry, I didn't mean to…” I began, my voice coming out a little hoarse as I tried to remember how to breathe.

"It's alright. I wasn't quite watching where I was going either.” He chuckled politely and the sound of it sent a pull through the knots rapidly forming in my stomach.

“I..uh…I was just going to grab some punch.” I said, hating the way I sounded out of breath.

“Ahh, the punch. Tastes terrible, but looks impressive.” He joked.

" Much like most office parties if you ask me.” I muttered before I could stop myself and he laughed.

" Can't argue with that. I'm Zayne by the way.” He stretched out his hand and I took it gently, relishing the way his skin felt warm to the touch. The name reverberated in my head, sending my stomach into slow, awkward flips.

" Marissa.” I offered and his lips curved into a small smile as that strange, tender look returned to his eyes.

“Wanna go grab that punch?"

" Yeah. Sure.” I allowed him lead me to the table.

" So, you work here?” He asked.

" Yeah. And I assume you're new in town."

“You can tell? Is it that obvious?" He raised an amused brow as he fetched us our drinks.

“It's a small town. It's easy to spot a new face. What brings you to Hallowden?" I wondered where this newfound confidence was coming from. Possibly all the champagne I'd been drinking.

“Business." He replied simply, in a tone that told me he wasn't going to offer more information even if I asked.

Then I remembered Elias had also said he was here on business.

" Would you happen to live in New York by any chance?” I asked, intrigued.

" No. Why?” He answered but our conversation was cut short by someone calling my name from behind.

" Marissa. I've been looking All over for you.” Jack Tinsel said, his smile warm as he approached.